Learn to Fish this summer

The Learn to Fish program is being offered for free around the Lower Mainland at local provincial parks this summer; find a program and park near you!

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Freshwater Fish of B.C.

There are more than 80 species of freshwater and sea-run native fish in British Columbia’s lakes and streams. Sadly, B.C.’s freshwaters are also becoming home to a growing number of illegally introduced alien (non-native) fish species.

Before you head out on your fishing adventure, it’s a good idea to know some of the characteristics of local sport fish, so you can identify your catch. It’s important to know what you’ve caught, because in some lakes and streams, there are regulations in place to protect sensitive fish species while allowing you to catch and keep others.

 

rainbow troutRainbow Trout

Also known as: Kamloops trout, Gerrard trout and silver trout
B.C. record: almost 24 kg (52.8 lbs) came from Jewel Lake.
Average size: 30 – 75 cm (11.8 – 29.5 in), 1 – 7 kg (2.2 – 15.4 lbs)
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steelhead troutSteelhead Trout

Also known as: Steelhead-salmon, salmon-trout and hardhead
B.C. record: The largest steelhead ever caught had an estimated weight of well over 20 kg (44 lbs).
Average size: 50 – 85 cm (19.7 – 33.5 in), 1.4 – 6.8 kg (3.1 – 15 lbs)
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Coastal Cutthroat Trout

coastal cutthroat troutAlso known as: Yellowbellies, cutties, cutts, harvest trout and sea run cutthroat
Average size: Resident – 40 cm (16 in), 1.0 kg (2.2lbs). Sea-run – 45 cm (18 in), 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs)
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westslope cutthroat troutWestslope Cutthroat Trout

Also known as: Cutthroat
B.C. record: Westslope cutthroat trout can attain lengths of over 50 cm (19.7 in) in some of the larger, more productive rivers in the East Kootenays.
Average size: 30 – 35 cm (11.8 – 13.8 in), 0.3 – 0.5 kg (0.7 – 1.1 lbs)
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kokaneeKokanee

Also known as: Kickininee, little redfish, silver trout, landlocked sockeye and blueback
B.C. record: The present world record of 4.2 kg (9.2 lbs) was caught in Okanagan Lake (Region 8) in 1988.
Average size: 20 – 25 cm (8 - 10 in), 0.1 – 0.2 kg (0.2 – 0.4 lbs)
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White Sturgeon

white sturgeonAverage size: Up to 6 metres long (19.69 ft), Up to 600 kg (1,320 lbs)
The largest sturgeon species in North America, and the largest freshwater fish species in North America!
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